Spring into the picturesque SZ beaches for holiday

"Facing the sea, with spring blossoms," a poem written by well-known Chinese poet Hai Zi, is probably the most widely chanted Chinese literary work which associates the sea with springtime. Seaside areas, conventionally recognized as summertime destinations, offer something different at this time of the year. Visitors to Shenzhen beaches might be surprised to find that such a trip during the upcoming Spring Festival can bring both serenity and joy, whether it be building sandcastles on sandy shores, taking leisurely walk under palm trees, or enjoying the thrill of watersports. Here are some of Shenzhen's charming seaside offerings.

Dameisha Beach

One of the most popular beach resorts in Shenzhen, Dameisha has become more accessible since Line 8’s Phase II has begun operation on Dec. 27. Visitors who would like to watch the sunrise on the coast and soak up the first rays of the Lunar New Year can hop on Line 8’s Wanxia Station at 5:30 a.m. to reach Dameisha Station in just 60 minutes.

Dameisha, which is free to the public, commands a stunning mountain-and-sea view. Mountains flank its three sides, while giant winged people sculptures mark the beach, together with a Wish Tower. As one of the first tourist spots to use metaverse in China, Dameisha introduces high technologies such as holographic projections, keeping its observation deck with aerial views. Young people are also drawn to Dameisha for exciting watersports and bungee jumping.

Add: Dameisha, Yantian District (盐田区大梅沙 94 号大梅沙海滨公园)

Metro: Line 8, Dameisha Station (大梅沙站)

Ticket: Free and no reservation needed

Yangmeikeng Beach

Regarded as the most beautiful valley beach in Shenzhen, Yangmeikeng, which stretches only 100 meters, has been a popular place for newlyweds to take wedding photos. Set against the backdrop of creeks flowing down Qiniang Mountain, it is also recognized as one of the best places to appreciate sunrise in Shenzhen. Luzui Villa, located in the east of the beach, is known as one of the spots where Stephen Chow's hit movie "The Mermaid" was shot. The road along the beach is very close to the sea, making it an ideal place for enjoying sea views while riding a bike or taking a leisurely stroll. Speedboats are also available for hire for those who would like to head out to Sanmen or Dajia islands.

During the Spring Festival, the Dongshan community kirin team will give performances in Haixing Square of the Yangmeikeng area from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Local fisherwomen will also sing Dongshan fishing songs, a Shenzhen intangible cultural heritage, in the square in the afternoons from the second to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year.

Add: Yangmeikeng area, Nan'ao Subdistrict, Dapeng New Area (鹏新区南澳街道杨梅坑片区)

Buses: Take a bus to DapengZhongxin Station (大鹏中心站), and transfer to a minibus to Yangmeikeng

Ticket: Free and no reservation needed

Nan'ao Bay

Nan’ao Bay, spanning 7 kilometers long, offers different views through smaller bays such as Haibei, Yeuliang, and Shexia, where visitors can enjoy stunning seaviews and the sunset. It is also a place to indulge in fresh and affordable seafood. In celebration of Spring Festival, Nan’ao is holding a “Happy Life Festival” and a seafood fair through Feb. 24. In addition, Nan’ao features inflatable toy ducks, 12 and 6 meters high, floating off Yueliang Bay through Feb. 25. The ducks, provided by local brand B. Duck, offer visitors a cheerful and delightful atmosphere perfect for picture taking.

Add: Nan’ao No. 1 beach, Haibin Road North, Longgang District(龙岗区海滨北路南澳第一沙滩)

Buses: Take a bus to Nan’ao Office Bus Station (南澳办事处公交站) and then walk to the beach

Ticket: Free

Jiaochangwei

Dubbed "Shenzhen's Gulangyu Island," Jiaochangwei boasts over 300 homestays built in various styles against the picturesque seascapes. Most of the inns there were rebuilt from old village houses and are in European styles.

From Feb. 10 to 13, a Chinese New Year-themed carnival will be held in the area, featuring intangible cultural heritage, art, games, treasure hunting, and song and dance performances at Dapeng Fortress.

Add: Jiaochangwei, Dapeng Subdistrict, Dapeng New Area (大鹏新区大鹏街道较场尾）

Buses: Take Bus H26, E11, or Dapeng Holiday Line to Dapeng Zhongxin Station (大鹏中心站)

Ticket: Free

Xichong Beach

Located in China's first International Dark Sky Community, the beach is the longest in Shenzhen, with a coastline stretching 5 kilometers and is once recognized as one of the eight most beautiful beaches in China. Visitors can walk from the beach to the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory, which is on top of a hill to the east of the beach. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city and covered in greenery, it is an ideal place to observe the starry heavens and experience the wonders and awe of nature.

From the third day to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year (10 a.m.-11 p.m., Feb. 12-16), a series of activities will be held at Xichong No. 1 Beach as well as Xichong Visitors' Service Center, including stargazing events, new year-themed shows, astronomy-themed creative bazaars, astronomy-themed lectures, astronomical equipment and photography exhibitions.

Add: Xichong, Dapeng New Area (大鹏新区西涌沙滩)

Buses: M232 to Xichong Beach Station (西涌浴场一号站)

Ticket: 28 yuan for adults; 14 yuan for minors (The observatory is free of charge, but reservations are required)

Dongchong Beach

Located in Nan’ao’s Dongchong community, and on the boundary between Dapeng and Daya bays, the beach is known for its clear waters, delicate sand, and beautiful views. Near the beach is the Dongchong Mangrove Wetland Park, a hidden gem on the coast with 20,000 square meters of newly planted mangroves of different species.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year (9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Feb. 11), the Dongchong Mangrove Wetland Park will launch a festival celebration, which will feature interactive games and offer a tour and dining guide so that visitors can have a unique Lunar New Year experience while enjoying its sea breeze and beautiful scenery.

Add: Dongchong Beach, Nan'ao Subdistrict, Dapeng New District (大鹏新区南澳街道东涌海滩)

Transport: Drive to Dochong Beach (东涌沙滩) or take a bus to nearby stations such as Dongchong Shagangcun Station (东涌沙岗村站), Dochong Beach Resort Station (东涌浴场站) and Dongchong Jiayuan Station (东涌家园站)

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ticket: Free from Feb. 1 to 24

Jinshawan

With a 133-kilometer coastline, Jinshawan Beach, which literally means “Golden Sand Bay,” proves a stunning getaway from the urban hustle and bustle. It got its name from its beautiful vistas at dusk, when both the sea and sand glitter as the sun sets behind the mountains in the distance. The park is also known as Time Sea Park, a mature scenic spot with five-star hotels and well-known scenic spots. In addition, Pengfei Park, a children’s park, as well as Jinshawan Water World, a water amusement park, stand nearby, providing more tourist options. The beach also attracts a lot of windsurfers and barbeque enthusiasts alike. 

During the Spring Festival, Pengfei Park will host festival celebrations (10 a.m.-6 p.m., Feb. 10-24), where visitors can get immersed in interactive games and fun bazaars, while a sand sculpture exhibition will be held at the Time Sea Park from Feb. 10 to 16.

Add: Jinshawan Beach, 33 Zonglv Boulevard, Dapeng New Area (大鹏新区棕榈大道33号金沙湾)

Transport: Line 8 to Yantian Port West Station (盐田港西站), Exit A1, and then take Bus E26, E11 or Dapeng Holiday Line to Dapeng Zhongxin Staion (大鹏中心站), and then change to Bus B983 and get off at Jinshawan Station (金沙湾站)

Ticket: free admission for the beach and Pengfei Park

Guanhu Beach

For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, Guanhu Beach is an ideal destination. Known for its primitive charm, it is a semi-developed beach with steep mountains and rocks. Visitors can also walk to the nearby Guanhu Village and take a leisurely stroll on its clean and ancient streets. Spring Festival celebrations will be held there during the holiday, featuring a marine-themed lantern show, a lobster fair, a New Year's Eve party, lion dance performances, intangible cultural heritage fishing, and bazaars.

Add: 1278, Guanhu Road, Kuichong Subdistrict, Longgang District (龙岗区葵涌街道官湖社区官湖路1278号)

Transport: Line 8 to Yantian Port West Station (盐田港西站), Exit A1, and then take Bus E26 to Kuichong Zhongxin Staion (葵涌中心站), and then change to Bus B956 and get off at Guanhu Station (官湖总站)

Ticket: free 

Judiaosha

Dubbed “Silver Beach” by sightseers, Judiaosha is known for its delicate sand and clear waters. Surrounded by green hills on three sides, the entire beach resembles a crescent moon nestled between the blue sea and skies. Its water is crystal clear and changes color gradually as the view changes – it’s clear on the shore, turns light blue about 50 meters offshore, and deep blue further away. Bright sunshine, amazing waters, white sand, and a gentle sea breeze make Judiaosha an ideal seaside resort.

The beach has star hotels and a yacht club nearby, where travelers can spot sailors on the sea. It also has a blue runaway for minitrain shuttles, which is also a great Instagrammable spot.

Add: Xindong Road, Dapeng New Area (大鹏新区新东路28号桔钓沙)

Buses: Take Bus E11 to Xinda Station (新大公交总站), and then change to Bus M274 to Judiaosha Station (桔钓沙站)

Ticket: Free